A MILITARY charity boss who suffered a heart attack has announced her foundation will close amid falling donations and health concerns.

Cheryl Hall and Stephen Robertson set up the Invicta Foundation in 2010 in a bid to help veterans injured during active service.

They decided to start the charity after son Ashley lost both legs while fighting in Afghanistan.

But Mrs Hall said she had no choice but to begin shutting the foundation down after suffering a heart attack in December last year.

“The Lion Walk office is not closed completely, working has stalled at the moment because the charity is in the process of closing down,” she said.

“I had a serious heart attack just before Christmas and I am not in a position to be able to carry it on.

“That, combined with a downturn in funding, has contributed to the decision.”

In 2016 the foundation attracted some criticism for its use of a fundraising company which keeps 80 per cent of some donations.

But Mr Robertson said the company helped to expand their efforts, and pointed out many charities take on third party organisations to assist with fundraising.

In a 2017 trustees report, figures reveal the foundation’s partnership with the company resulted in donations increasing by more than £270,000.

A spokesman for the Charity Commission said an investigation was opened into the foundation in 2017.

“During our engagement we identified concerns regarding potential conflicts of interests and possible private benefit,” he said.

“We have set the charity an action plan which outlines a number of steps we consider need to be taken to resolve problems with the charity’s management and administration, and to ensure the trustees comply with their legal duties and act in the best interests of the charity.”

He added: “The charity remains on our register and we will be following up with the trustees about their progress completing the action plan shortly.

“We have made clear to the charity that if the issues raised are not fully dealt with then the commission is likely to take further regulatory action.”

Mrs Hall said the charity had always remained “transparent and open.”

“People often get the wrong end of the stick, we have always been transparent and have always said just come in and speak to us,” she said.

“If we can donate leftover items to other organisations that’s what we will look at doing.

“Any funds left over will go to another military organisation.

“It is a situation I have no control over really - your health has to come first.

“For the last eight years I have worked solidly on the charity, being available 24/7, and it has taken its toll.

“I get to actually enjoy time with my family and spending more time with Ash.

“He has moved forward so much - it is as if his recovery has reached another stage in his life and it has made this a little easier.”

The foundation say current beneficiaries will be signposted to other charities including the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association and the Royal British Legion.